Chapter 7 Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers

Serving Riverview, Brandon, Hillsborough County, Florida

As economic uncertainty and debt becomes overwhelming and unmanageable, discharge in consumer bankruptcy can provide needed debt relief for individuals, families and businesses. In addition to discharging debt, filing a petition for bankruptcy puts an end to harassing creditor calls. Furthermore, it can actually help your credit score upon discharge; whereas not filing for bankruptcy just maintains the status quo. At Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A., in Brandon/Riverview, Florida, we offer effective and experienced Chapter 7 bankruptcy services.

Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy generally works as follows:

• A credit counseling course is required to be taken within 180 days of filing. This can be taken online, via telephone or in person.
• A Bankruptcy Petition and all of the schedules are prepared and filed with the Court.
• A trustee and judge are assigned to the case.
• A Meeting of Creditors is scheduled approximately 35 – 40 days after the date of filing. All parties to the bankruptcy must attend the Meeting of Creditors.
• A personal financial management counseling course must be taken prior to discharge. This can be taken online, via telephone or in person.
• The case is generally discharged approximately 60 to 90 days after the Meeting of Creditors.

Individuals or families pursuing personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy are able to retain some or all of their property pursuant to the applicable exemption limits, which differ by state. If the value of your assets exceeds the exemption limit, then the difference or the property itself will have to be given to the trustee to pay creditors who make a claim in your case. In addition, after you have received your bankruptcy discharge, any income or assets you obtain are yours to keep unless you receive (or become eligible to receive) an inheritance, insurance proceeds, or proceeds from a divorce settlement within 180 days after your filing date. If so, then the trustee must be notified.

Businesses pursuing Chapter 7 personal bankruptcy follow the same procedure and rules as individuals filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Usually the business will be liquidated and must cease operations unless operations are continued by a Chapter 7 trustee. Furthermore, any assets of the business and assets of the owners and/or shareholders of the business are subject to the same exemptions as for individuals.

Members of our attorney team will give you information on your available personal and homestead property exemptions and explain how your debt will be discharged. Are you concerned about losing the following property in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings?

• Homes and investment properties
• Furniture, furnishings and appliances
• Pensions and retirement accounts
• Vehicles
• Tools related to your trade
• Workers’ compensation income
• Personal injury claims

Some of these listed assets may be kept in full, while for others you are limited to a certain amount of equity. If there is a risk that property you wish to retain will be lost, we will inform you prior to filing for bankruptcy so that you can choose whether or not to proceed with the bankruptcy action.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding divorce, family law or bankruptcy, as well as foreclosure solutions, contact the law firm of Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A. We provide a free initial consultation, accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express, and charge reasonable and competitive rates. Furthermore, to assist you we have a team of legal assistants and associate attorneys, including a Spanish-speaking associate attorney.

Our office is conveniently located in the Riverview/Brandon area on Highway 301 South directly off of Interstate 75, near the intersection of Bloomingdale Avenue. Contact our firm by e-mail or call 813.672.1900 . We will respond immediately!

We serve all of Hillsborough County, including Riverview, Brandon, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Valrico, Thonotosassa, Sun City Center, Mango, Plant City, Ruskin, and Wimauma, Florida.